Cup o' Joe

...or maybe a cup of tea. It's about 8pm in Prague and I don't think caffeine would be the best choice at this point

If we were really meeting up for coffee, I would ask how your week was and what is new with you. I'd like to hear how your life is going before I get into what's up around here. There are a lot of changes going on in this household. As I type Kept Man is finally hanging a bar that we got from Ikea back in October for extra pot and pan storage as well as a chalkboard for the kitchen. We'll probably only doodle on the chalkboard but at least it will be something on our big white walls.

Besides cosmetic changes on our walls, Kept Man is getting a change of status. As of Monday he will no longer be a Kept Man. That's right, he's going back to the world of 9 to 5! What will I call him now? Maybe I'll go back to the old standby of G Unit.

Disregarding the fact that I have to come up with a new nickname, I'm so happy for that Kept Man has been offered this opportunity. The past two years bouncing between Morocco and Czech Republic has been a bit frustrating for him. I know the idea of having almost two years off traipsing around Europe and North Africa sounds fun but after a while I get the impression it's a bit boring. In case you're internally screaming, "What is the job Nuala!?", he'll be working for a huge company doing customer service. It's not glamours but it's steady work with interaction with others and it means we'll be able to save a lot more money while we're here in the Czech Republic. Plus he gets his own cubie. No more sitting at home twiddling his thumbs. Or making me dinner. Yep, I'm already going through withdrawals.

With all these new exciting work happenings it was inevitable that Morocco's bureaucracy would crash the party as if it wanted to give us a final parting gift. This new job wants a criminal background check from Morocco since we lived there in the past year. I think I can honestly voice the opinion that Morocco is the most frustrating and stupid bureaucracy ever.

For comparison Kept Man already got the background check for the Czech Republic. He went to the post office, presented his passport and told them what he wanted. One business day later it was available to pick up. All for the low low price of 50 CZK (approximately $2.50). In the meantime emails have been sent to the Moroccan Embassy with limited useless information given in response. Finally I called the Moroccan Embassy today to try to get some help on how we can get this stupid piece of paper that says that Kept Man has no criminal record in Morocco. I was basically told that that the Embassy could not help us and we would have to go to Morocco. I mean REALLY?! Why is it so hard to do this? Why does this become an international incident? Why is Moroccan civil service so f'd up? What is wrong with having a form to fill out a standard fee to pay and instructions on how to do it? Why is everything a huge hassle? It is unbelievable. Those of you in the States, thank your lucky stars for the DMV. It is a pantheon of order and helpfulness. Those of you in Czech Republic who think the Czech Republic is difficult, go to Morocco, then we can talk.

We're trying to go through the Moroccan Embassy in the US now. Maybe they will be more helpful. HR seems content that we are still trying to get this piece of paper and Kept Man is scheduled to start Monday even without Morocco and their "Kept Man is not a criminal" documentation. Keep your fingers crossed that it all works out.

So my week in a nutshell - Job for Kept Man (yeah!) - No more chef at home for me (boo!) - Morocco sucks! - Czech Republic is awesome! - Kept Man still starts on Monday (yeah!)

Thanks for the tea time and a sympathetic ear. I appreciate you listening to me rant and rave about things out of my control. And celebrating Kept Man's new job with me. Next week we'll learn if I can remember how to cook! I'm also hoping to get some pictures to share with you from the Farmer's Market here that is along the river and near our house. Let's hope for blue skies. And maybe I'll have a story about going to an Irish pub for St. Patty's Day. Big plans, that's my middle name. Have a great week!

Home Sweet Hotel

As many of you know Kept Man and I made it out of Morocco alive. Not only did we get our stuff packed and shipped out, but we managed to get a reimbursement and our deposit back. All in all a successful finish to our year in Africa. (It still feels strange to say we lived in Africa, yes it was North Africa but still...)

We've had no word on when our stuff will arrive, but the moving company assures me that the received the magic paper that allows our things to leave the country so I'm assuming it will show up eventually. I have a second magic paper (I got a back up just in case. When in doubt in Morocco always have back up copies) so if there is any trouble I'm prepared.

Now we are just trying to settle into life in Prague. The weather has been on the colder side. Apparently autumn has come early but Kept Man is pleased with this change after 100 degree weather in Marrakech. We have also found a place to live. A friend is sadly leaving Prague in the next month to head back to Hong Kong, but conveniently leaving when we need an apartment that is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute tram ride to work. And is furnished. And bigger than our last apartment. And includes wireless internet.  And doesn't involve paying a commission to an agent. We move in the first weekend of October. Just in time for me to do some fall baking. As long as I can find canned pumpkin. I hope I can find canned pumpkin. Of course I can! It's not like this is Africa or something.

As you can tell things are settling down. I've got Kept Man here with me full time. I feel more secure in work knowing I'm here for the long haul and that I'm not going to be shipped back to Marrakech anytime soon. Kept Man is also starting to look into schools and applying for jobs. Which he's able to do here in the Czech Republic since I have French citizenship and we're in an EU country. We're exploring new restaurants and locals in the city. All in all it feels nice to be making a home again. Just a few more weeks and we'll have an apartment instead of a hotel room and I plan on hibernating at home through the winter. With maybe a weekend or two in a nearby city.

So if anyone wants to see us I think you need to plan to make a trip to Prague. I'm done moving this year. No more flights! No more limbo! This homebody has got a home again!

Laminated Gold

Today I finally received my carte de sejour which is basically my work visa in Morocco. This means I can open up a bank account, stay in the country for longer than 3 months at a time and overall be considered a resident in the country instead of an extended visitor. 

Mmm...too bad I'm leaving forever next week. That's right. It took a year to get this card. And it looks like the only thing I will use it for is to get out of the country. 

I've survived day one of Moroccan bureaucracy. I never felt so exhausted by waiting and looking stupid while other people discuss me and what it is that I want. The end goal is to receive a piece of paper that allows our belongings to make it through customs. I hope to have it by the end of tomorrow. Cross your fingers that my vapid express continues to work and they give this poor girl a customs clearance just so she'll go away and stop staring at them blankly.

I will never complain about any form of US bureaucracy. Ever. Again. You don't know how good you have it with the DMV. Yes, I'm serious.

What a difference a year makes

Last year on this day Kept Man and I flew to Marrakech for the first time. I was nervous, scared, unsure and uneasy.

And it was Kept Man's birthday.

This year on the same day I am again flying into Marrakech but for the last time. I'm coming to officially say goodbye, collect our things, my husband and move our lives out of Morocco and into the Czech Republic.

This year Kept Man and I will celebrate his birthday in better spirits. At a restaurant we've been trying to eat at for the past year even though it is around the corner from our apartment. This is going to be a better year. Things are settling down.

So Happy Birthday Garren! I hope that this year provides you with the opportunities you want and that we're together so much you're practically sick of me. See you in a few hours birthday boy.

Really?!

A few weeks ago, I was offered hash twice, on the same day, by the same man (Garren believes), at different times of the day.

It's not a strange occurrence. Locals seem to think it's the only reason tourists come to Morocco. Not me. I mean really do I look like the smoking type? I mean seriously. Little me with her hair up in a pony tail her glasses on because she was too lazy to put in her contacts and being sick on top of it? I look like the type that will risk time in a Morocco prison for some Kif?

I was shocked both times it happened mostly because this man looked so clean cut. Why this should shock me I don't know. I think it's because usually when we're offered Kif (and it does happen quite a bit) it's by a young guy in jeans and a T-shirt. This time it was a middle aged man in a djellaba and yellow slippers. Very bizarre. I mean really you walk by the type of person who usually is trying to ignore your existence (at least that is the impression I get being a woman here a lot) and out of the blue they mumble, "Smoke" at you. It requires a double take. At least for me. I was stunned for a second or two before I told Garren what the man had said. His reaction? "The guy in the yellow slippers?!" And you think after I stared dumbfounded for a while the first time he wouldn't have bothered to try a 2nd time. Or at least maybe he would have tried to pass by Garren instead. This all happened near where the "hop on, hop off" tour bus stops.

Since then Garren has found out that the guy hangs out and wlks around this intersection a lot. He even had an encounter more than just where "smoke" was mumbled, but I'll let him relay that story if he wants. In the meantime, while walking around Marrakech I will continue to ignore any comments sent my way.

It looks like a Lime

Garren and I made stir fry the other night. The recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart called for limes. So at the store Garren and I found two limes (small round green looking citrus things) had them weighed and ticketed and threw them in our cart along with all our other groceries.

This is not a strange occurrence as Garren regularly buys limes for our G&Ts. Last night as we were preparing said stir fry Garren cut open the lime to reveal, an orange.

Maybe it's just a strangely colored lime? Nope smells like orange. We cut open the 2nd one to reveal the same thing. We substituted lemon instead. The lemon thankfully was lemony when we cut it open.

Just another thing to prepare for in Morocco. Sometimes the limes are not limes. And always always wash your veggies and fruits. It's amazing how dirty food really is when you don't have American Grocery Marketers making them look all shiny and clean. Who knew they did that?

This is hard, but.....

This whole transition from SF to Marrakech has been hard, both personally and professionally. It's draining me both emotionally and physically and now I'm sick too.

I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss my easy job back home. I miss familiar venues, restaurants and areas. I miss feeling comfortable about where I am and what I'm doing. I miss not feeling like an idiot when I talk or not understanding something simply because I'm not familiar with the word.

But with all the crappy things there are some good things too.

1. Garren and I will not starve. Bread is available for 2 MAD or $0.25
2. There is a French Chocolate store down the street for when I really need a pick me up
3. Massages are relatively cheap 350 MAD opr $45 for one hour or (This gets me out of my wifely duties of providing back massages - sometimes!)
4. Internet is cheap and stable enough to stay in touch
5. Taxis are cheap - when you can get them to turn on the meter
6. The weather is nice. Since it being super hot when we got here it's cooled down to be more like Santa Barbara weather. We're diggin' it.
7. Garren and I are planning a trip to the coast one of these days. There's a hippie surf camp just north Agadir of which looks fun and relaxing.
8. We're hoping to do another trip up to London sometime soon to get some much needed time in an English speaking country

So instead of focusing on the bad things, in the future I will be trying to focus on the good things, or the absurd or the just plain weird. I hope you all look forward to hearing about some of them.

Still Here

I know that some of you have been wondering where I've been.

Well I'm still in Morocco and still alive. The truth is I'm just exhausted. I sit all day at my desk trying to get anything done, feeling like I get nothing done, cursing the lack of internet and computer (still on our personal laptop) and by the time I get home all I want to do is cuddle with my husband, turn my brain off and watch TV.

I'm happy to report that re-runs (for me anyways) of The OC and The Biggest Loser are on nightly as well as many random movies. Top that off with our ability to watch streamed videos of almost anything we want, and Ashley on Top Chef, I'm pretty much set on the entertainment front.

So basically things are going. Slowly. Mostly at this point I'm just frustrated. There is a general lack of direction and as with any opening there are a million changes. My main problem at the moment is that I'm expected to create a training plan/matrix and all SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for my department as well begin to hire my staff and prep myself for setting up both an online and local system. It's all pretty standard, really, but having never done it on my own before, I don't have enough hands let alone enough brain space to even attempt to accomplish it right now.

I'm going to take this weekend to have a stable internet connection and try to get myself organized. I'm hoping my wonderful husband can help me. When things get to big for me I get overwhelmed. And I find I avoid everything. I'm hoping if I can nail things down a bit more, get an actual plan in place that maybe things will be more manageable. Right now I'm all over the place. Even this post is all over the place.

Have a computer and files at work would be a freaking help. But that would involve other people being organized or things being easy in Morocco. Yea uh-huh. So another thing to do this weekend, buy some work supplies!

So I apologize for the partly depressing nature of this post, but it is what it is. I think once things start running more smoothly at work and we get a workable opening date, I have better more exciting things to talk about.

On the home front we may have our stuff in the next few weeks. It's supposed to arrive in Casablanca around the 24th and we're making a trip up to Casablanca next week to get a document from the American Embassy which states that we are living in Morocco. (The amount of paperwork needed is never ending and everything has to be done in person) We're talking about taking the train so hopefully a more upbeat and exciting post will be forthcoming.

Nuala out!

Trip to the Spa

So since we had a long weekend Garren and I figured we should try to get out of the hotel and do something. Garren as many of you know LOVES his massages and my colleague Christine had given us the name of a Spa that she uses. So we thought what the hell and decided to make a trip out.

Now I as many of you know am not the biggest massage fan. I feel uncomfortable naked in front of other people and therefore I can never really relax and enjoy a massage. I'm too tense. So I thought I would get a hammam (traditional moroccon bath) which still involves getting naked but I thought hell, "when in Rome" and it is something that people will probably ask me about over the phone during a Reservations call so I thought that I should at least experience it once.

First finding the place was a bit of a nightmare. It was off the main square Djemaa el Fna but our map did not show the street we were looking for. We therefore spent a very hot 45 minutes walking around the very large square trying every street that branched off of it. Some of the streets had street signs at the start, many did not. Of course we found it at last...the very last street we tried.

Upon entering we were shown around by the proprietor. Garren was lead away for his massage while I had to wait in the hot sitting room for others to be done with their hammam. I happily read my book and drank some of the water we brought with us. Later a group of Italians showed up who were also waiting for the hammam. We chatted a bit. They seemed impressed I was here to stay for a while and were enjoying their vacation in Morocco.

Finally I was lead into the hammam. It wasn't a public hammam (since it was at a spa and all) and it was much smaller I think than the public hammams but the practice was the same. I stripped down and went into what amounts to a sauna room. Thankful I was the last woman patron of the evening so it was just me. First I got dowsed with some water and lathered with some sort of soap/oil. I was then left to sweat it out. It was strangely relaxing. You think being in a steam room after being hot all afternoon would suck but it wasn't. Afterwards I was scrubbed down with a mitt to get all the dead skin off and then the black paste was applied which is supposed to make your skin all extra soft. I was then again left to steam it out.

While I was steaming it out another woman came in to get a shower. It was strangely surreal, but at this point I was naked and covered in black substance so what the hell. Eventually I was given my own shower and my hair was washed. It was the most relaxing feeling to have luke warm water thrown over you after sitting in a hot room dozing. I was lead out and allowed to dry off, comb my hair and get dressed.

Garren was waiting for me and we quickly paid (both the massage and hammam totaled $45 together!) and made our way back out into the now busy streets. We eventually made our way to dinner a Japanese/Thai restaurant called Katsura. It was good (and one of the competitors for the Asian restaurant the hotel is opening....research people, research.). Unfortunately I have not been feeling very well and find it hard to eat. When I am stressed out or uncomfortable the last thing I want to do is eat. You can ask Michele and Kristen. I did the same thing on our trip to Europe over 12 years ago. It's frustrating but unavoidable at the moment. We will have to go back when I am feeling better.

But other than that I feel like our Spa day was a success. We got out of the hotel. Went into the Medina. Did some work research, managed to relax a little I think. Next time I think I want to try another spa to get a comparison and if the new hotel spa needs someone to practice on, I'm happy to volunteer. Rest assured dear readers, Garren and I will find the best place for both a massage and a hammam so that any of you visiting who want to go will get the benefit of our "research"

And so it begins

First week of work done. The highlights:

• I still don’t have a work cell phone
• We have not had internet the two days I have brought my own computer. The first day I had no computer to work with.
• I have no access to email or to the network to get information that I need to do any work.
• Human Resources has been pretty unhelpful with the whole being a foreigner moving to a new country thing.
• It is a short week. There are two holidays this Thursday and Friday (the King’s birthday and a celebration of the revolution)
• Ramadan starts on Friday/Saturday
• Garren and I have secured an apartment and from what I can tell it’s a good price in a central location. Pictures to be taken next week.
• French lessons are in our future

In Detail:

Day 1:

First day was a little annoying. It basically turned out the way I expected but it is the exact thing I try to avoid when getting my own new employee. A plan in place, a list of things to do that I can dive into right away. Not to much to ask right? The problem was that there were no extra computers and I didn’t bring our laptop so that Garren had access to the outside world. Therefore the first day consisted of no email, no documents, just reviewing any information that people could print out for me.

About what you could expect from a first day on a pre opening team for a hotel opening in Morocco.

In other news we were able to talk down the price on the apartment we liked. Garren has a project for Day 2. He’s going to go see it again, make sure it’s in good condition and as nice as we remember. And we have a 2^nd apartment to look at with another realtor for the same price in a different location which is not as central.

I’m trusting Garren’s judgment. I think at least looking at a different place in an area further away at the same price will give us an idea if we’re getting a good deal for the one closer to town. I’m still not really sure if the price we negotiated is good. Someone here at work just got a 3 bedroom Riad (on the other side of the Medina from where we’re looking) for the same price we’ve been quoted for the 1 bedroom apartment. He did have some insider help, but still. And it is not in the best neighborhood, or so I’ve been told. He seems to get around ok without a car, but I dunno, I like being in a neighborhood, which is still close to the Medina but has lots of cafes and shops. Maybe I’m being too American/European. But with no car, I like the idea of being more central. Unfortunately it’s further away from work so no matter what I still have to hitch a ride, but many people are in my area in the same boat I think so…..on vera

Day 2:

Had a computer (ours) Yea! No internet Boo! I was able to work on some minor projects, but for the most part I couldn’t do much. No access to email means no access to the files I need. Hopefully tomorrow I will have both a computer and internet. And maybe my phone? I’m not going to hold my breath.

Sounds like I might be able to get some French lessons and find out where Garren can take some too. HR seems to be a little overwhelmed at the moment. It’s a little annoying to feel like I’m bothering them when really they should be helping me to settle in, walking me through the immigration process. Whatever. I suppose it’s on Morocco time. (read FOREVER). Blah.

I did have a good sit down with my new boss this morning, going through what is expected of me. Seems pretty straight forward.

• Set up the various distributions systems and SMS rate structure
• Hire Reservations Staff
• Train Staff
• Run Reservations
• Produce Revenue Reports/Conduct Revenue Management

Just need the damn systems to start. And of course they’ve been delayed. Hopefully (fingers crossed) we’ll have them by sometime next month. In the meantime I can prep…if I could just get some damn internet. Or a computer connected to the network. Sigh.

On the home front, looks like we have an apartment. Garren went back today to the apartment that we saw together still liked it. He says it’s needs a good cleaning but it’s in good shape. I think we’ll end up taking it. I feel like it’s a decent price. It’s no 3 bedroom riad, but it’s comfortable and close to many things. I have to call tomorrow to finalize things, but I may take Monday off so we can go sign papers, pay, sign up for some internet and probably even move. Or I may try to put it off until the 1^st so we don’t have to pay for an extra week.

Today was a little stressful for me. I feel like I’m unable to show what I can do when I don’t have the tools I need. The PMS system would be nice so I could set it up, but even just having access to the information I need so that I can plot everything on paper and maybe email my old boss Mel and other Revenue Managers in the company to let them know that I’m alive and that I miss them.

It’s hard. I’m the new kid on the block. And trying to get to know people when I was introduced to them all at once and have no idea what all their names are is intimidating. I need my email! I know pretty much what everyone does so if I can put a name to a face/position and I can get names down! So yea. On the bright side I have been getting compliments on my French.

Day 3:

Didn’t get much sleep last night One of those things where I nodded off and then woke up again. And after waking up again I couldn’t get a good night sleep. Also my stomach this morning was not happy I’ve been pretty careful about what I eat but maybe it’s just the heat and stress.

No internet again today. And there are lots of Corporate meetings going on which means there won’t be much time for my boss to sit down with me. I did download some documents that I had emailed to me at our hotel where we have internet but there in an excel and word format that I need an update for, which I need internet for. It’s a vicious cycle. So I had hoped that I could work on some of my informational sheets, but apparently no.

I called the realtor and we are taking the apartment. We get the keys on Monday, which means we get a relaxing weekend together (4 days!). And I’ll take Monday off so that we can get situated in the apartement, do all the necessary signing and validations and hopefully (fingers crossed) get a reliable USB internet connection. We’re probably going to hang out by the pool and maybe try to go into town to a spa that Christine recommended. What the hell right? We might as well enjoy ourselves if we can.

And then it will be back to work on Tuesday with me trying to find a ride into work. Oy vey.

Now I need to try to find a way to print out some documents. Maybe then I can actually do some work around here.

Misc Things

A post about my first days at work will be coming I promise. Yesterday was a bit overwhelming for both Garren and me so an evening relaxing and drinking was called for. By the time that was done I was so exhausted I had to go to bed. Now it's morning and I'm about to start my second day and Garren is going to look at more apartments. Potential one we will rent.

In other news, Garren's parents had a wedding announcement posted in the local Redding paper. Those who wish to see it can go here: http://engagementsandweddings.redding.com/wed_display_sh.cfm?recordID=1917

Makes me weirdly feel all grown up. I mean an announcement posting in the paper. About us. Strange, but cool.

Second, Garren's wonderful brother Andrew started a blog, Sexual Chocolate. Follow him. He's a funny boy.

Until tout a l'heure (I know, I know, I'm missing accents and stuff. Deal. I'm in a rush.)

À, à, à la discotheque!

So day 3 here continues in Marrakech. I am doing much better since my last post. There was a lot of anxiousness on my part prior to my arrival and then getting here and actually seeing what we had gotten ourselves into. Well it wasn’t good. Missing home. Missing friends. Missing family. Missing cats. I had a bit of a “what the f**k are we doing here?” moment. There have been a few more of those but for the most part I think we’re slowly but surely adjusting.

Helping us along has been my wonderful colleague Christine. She has been amazing. She and I had emailed back and forth a bit before I left the States and she was kind enough to set up some meetings with some realtors for us as well as meet with us and help us get set up with a phone and give us the lay of the land. She called us within a few hours of our arrival at the hotel and later that evening. She was a breath of fresh air and so reassuring after my freak out. She’s been all over. She’s German and went for work from Paris to Mexico to New York to Hong Kong to Miami to Marrakech. She’s done this a lot and I find her to be fearless. I’ve already told her I admire her courage. She shrugs it off, but I could not have done this by myself as she has. I’m very glad to have met her and look forward to working with her. Too bad she’s on vacation for two weeks. Le sigh.

Besides speaking with Christine, I have not heard from work. I’m supposed to hear from someone about how to get to work on Monday. Hopefully they will call tomorrow. If not I will try calling a few people. It’s a little ridiculous how little has been done by my direct boss to prepare for my arrival. Also a little annoying, but well I will just take it in stride. I think you have to just take everything in stride in Morocco. They work at their own pace. If they don’t bother to call me to tell me where to show up or how to get to work I will be poolside until they get their act together.

Otherwise Garren and I may have found an apartment. Fingers crossed. I almost feel like we should look more, but this place is cute, quiet, central to downtown, has nice looking furniture, a decent sized kitchen, washing machine, a medium size shower for Garren and a balcony. It’s seems to be a semi reasonable price, we’re just hoping we might be able to talk them down a little bit. We’ll see. We’re going to discuss it more tomorrow before I call them back on Monday. There were two other options as well that probably would work just fine that are a little less expensive, but the view isn’t quite as nice from the balcony and a little closer to some construction work going on in the area. There is construction EVERYWHERE in Marrakech. It is pretty much unavoidable.

Garren and I were able to enjoy this afternoon by the pool. Garren is trying to even out his tan. I’m trying to stay white and not turn red. Tomorrow will be more of the same. Otherwise we’re wishing that we had downloaded more movies. We’ll just have to wait for our DVDs….and better internet to start downloading things.

Keep sending me good thoughts. I’m pretty sure they’re working. One more day of laziness and then I’m back to work. I have no idea what to expect. Actually I take that back. I expect chaos. Here’s hoping it’s a bit better than that.

P.S. And for those who are wondering the title of this blog comes from the children here at the hotel who after dinner go with the activities directors to the discotheque. They all get in a congo line and chant à, à, à la discotheque as they make their way from the dining hall outside and down to the discotheque. It’s kinda adorable.

P.P.S Garren made me stand in front of the McDonalds like a damn silly American tourist. But it made him happy.

First Impressions

So not home. Yet.

Scary. Upsetting. Confusing. My French sucks.

There are no line divisions on the road. How does anyone know where they're supposed to drive? I suppose they just don't care. Saw a hay truck with hay stacked three times higher than the truck itself.

I'm scared to leave the hotel. I don't know where to go or what to do. I'm sure all of these things will be settled but for right now I'm terrified.

But all is not lost. We are meeting one of my co-workers tomorrow to help us get a sim card for the phone, stable Internet connection, and get some good old fashioned advice. Too bad she's leaving on vacation on Saturday. le sigh. We are also meeting two real estate agents to begin searching for an apartment.

It's just the beginning. Beginnings are scary. Just need to move through the scary and get onto the normal.

Booze. Booze is next. Booze for Garren's birthday. Booze to relax and try to enjoy ourselves. Maybe the pool later. We have 3 more days together before I start work. Hopefully we'll both be a little more comfortable by then.

We miss you all.

And...Confirmed

Well I finally got the go ahead to buy my airline tickets.

We are confirmed for departure on Monday August 3rd at 3:00pm. We're flying to New York to stay a couple of days. We then leave on Thursday, August 6th and head to Paris where we stay a week and then we leave Paris on Thursday, August 13th (Garren's bday!) and fly to Marrakech.

Oh good god! This is getting more real every time I buy a ticket and everytime I look at the calendar and realize how close this all is. Ughhh. I better stop this line of thought before I start crying.

Yea traveling! Yea mini-honeymoon! Yea plane tickets!

Hidden Costs

You know, I'm supposed to be moving to Morocco because this is going to be beneficial to me, and while in the long run it may be, so far all it has been is an expense. Between the wedding which we weren't able to take the time to save for (not that I mind), buying a ticket for Garren (again not that I mind, obviously), acquiring pertinent documents, and them pushing back my start date I feel somehow like I'm out a fortune. I'm sure maybe I'm exaggerating a little here, but now I'm having to pay to have all my document translated for the Visa purposes. 

I just sent ONE of the documents I need translated for a quote and was told $195 for the one document. Granted it's the biggest document with the most words but at this rate, getting everything translated is going to cost me an insane amount of money. 

Between the wedding, moving, taking on a new job, leaving my old job, moving away from everything I know, leaving my cats, and spending a lot of money I don't have I'm feeling really depressed. I keep telling myself it's going to be great and it's all going to be worth it in the end, but right now it doesn't feel that way. I just feel stressed, put out and a little lonely with Garren at work tonight. 

Whatever it's just money right? And in the end it will get me to Morocco and a crazy adventure right? I'm going to have to email to see if they will cover the costs for these translations. I just hate feeling like the American who's trying to get everything paid for. But this was an expense I didn't expect.  So I'll send them the invoice and see what they say. Sigh. It will probably be no.

Whew!

Crisis averted (hopefully). The hotel is being very understanding, I'm being very understanding and I have been extended a start date of August 15th.

So Bay Area friends you are stuck with me for a little while longer. I'll be working until the end of July and Garren and I may just take a mini honeymoon to Europe before my start date in Morocco. This also leaves me time to settle the cats in Benicia myself, which will make me feel a little better about my departure from them.

So things are looking ok. For now.

Un-FREAKING-Believable

I just got a call today from Marrakech. They've delayed the opening. And now they want me to start September 1st.

After giving me a hard time for asking for an August 1st start date. After making it sound like it is DIRE that I need to be there July 1st. After we have been running around with wedding plans, moving plans, giving notice at jobs, apartments, bugging family, friends and anyone who will listen they want me to start September 1st.

To say I'm upset is a little understated. I mean they knew there were rumblings that the hotel would be delayed. They wouldn't tell me and I KNEW that it would be delayed. And they still insisted on a July 1st start date. And now this. It just makes them seem 1. disorganized and 2. uncaring as to my situation. I understand that they have construction issues and all sorts of opening issues to deal with, but take some initiative and realize as you are hiring someone that the opening date you have planned, probably will not be happening and plan accordingly. It's not THAT hard.

So

1. I need to speak with mom. (Mom, call me when you read this)
2. The wedding is still on for July 14th. Too much is already been planned and coordinated. We're not changing it.
3. Garren's going to see if he can still work for another month or so, while still having the time off for the wedding and all.
4. I need to coordinate with Marrakech to see if we can do an Aug 1st or Mid August start date so that even if Garren is not working we can possibly make everything work.

Oy vey!

Making some Progress

So last week or so I was given a list of things that need to be provided for my Visa application in Morocco. I present you with the list:

• 16 Identification Photos (8 Passport size, 8 1 inch x 1 inch)
• Birth Certificate
• 2 Copies of Marriage License
• 3 Copies of Background Check (1 original + 2 copies)
• 4 Copies of Resume (in French)
• 2 Copies of any Diplomas
• 2 Copies of Verification of Employment
• Original Copy of the Request for Transfer
• 5 Copies of Passport with the Visa Page for entry into Morocco

On top of this all of the above has to be translated into French and I have to get 3 quotes from movers to move our stuff from Berkeley, CA to Marrakech, Morocco. And no one has told me when they need these documents by or how to send them (i.e email, mail, overnight, etc, or just plain bring it with me). Ughh.

But for my own, "I am making progress purposes" I give you the following list of items that have procured and/or completed:

• 8 Passport Photos (they suck). (I still need to get 8 in the 1"x1" size)
• Birth Certificate with Certification obtained today! (Still needs to be translated)
• 2 Copies of Marriage Certificate - I explained our situation and was told I can bring a copy of the filed marriage license and give them a copy of the Marriage Certificate when received after arrival in Morocco. (To be copied, filed and request a copy of certificate)
• Background check - Both Garren and I have been fingerprinted and have sent them off to the FBI for a print out of a criminal background check. (Waiting to be received and then translated).
• Resume - My sister is working on translating this for me. And if she doesn't have time I'll have it translated with everything else
• Diploma - I've found it! (Still needs to be translated)
• Verification of Employment - I have one from my current employer and one from my former employer is on the way (Still need to be translated)
• Request for Transfer - Filled out except that they need to tell us how long the duration time frame should be on the form. (An email has been sent to clarify)
• Passport and Visa Page - Has been scanned (Ready to send and/or print as soon as they tell me when they want this stuff!)
• Movers are coming tomorrow to do an estimate, another company is sending an estimate based on our size requirements and we are calling another to get the third estimate tomorrow.

So really I am making progress right? Now if I can just get them to tell me when I should buy our tickets. Or how? And if it's ok that we're planning on leaving from LA....So many things to settle still, but progress is progress. Right? Right?

When I Grow Up

I feel like a grown up today. Garren and I got a marriage license. Weird! Who thought I would ever do that? Or I mean I thought one day eventually but to actually do it and have it now. Well it feels like something a grown up should be doing. Not me.

And all of work now knows that I'm moving to Morocco. Lots of Congratulations and a little bit of sadness going around. But lots and lots of well wishes so it's really nice. I'm going to miss my life here, but like everyone has been saying, it's a great opportunity, you only live once and I'm young so I should do it now.

So hell yea.

Official

Well. We're moving to Morocco. They agreed to a later start date and I've signed and sent off the contract. Good God!

Now we just have to get organzied and get married. Simple really. Yea uh-huh. I'm already stressed at finding a dress. I don't want anything fancy. Just something simple, but with stores seeming to carry nothing these days I've exhausted my online options (although I have 4 dresses at home which are possible and being kept as back up in case I find nothing else I like) and I keep looking at the same things online over and over. sigh. I think I have a few more options I can order and try on at home. But after that.....Bridal boutiques scare me. Both for the intimidation factor and money factor.

And then I have to find shoes, and maybe jewlery. This is all just exhausting and this is just a teeny tiny portion of this whole process. Thank god we are having a small hurried wedding. Anything else and I might pull out my hair. I am so not a girl.

And then there is moving logistics. I don't even know where to start there so I'm just waiting for the HR department to contact me. I need direction people!

And this morning it entered into my head that I'm going to have to say goodbye to my cats. When I drop them off at the vet for boarding as everyone who would usually watch them will be in SB with us. So it will be stressful for them and I will be super sad. Mom will of course take great care of them, but I don't know when I'll see them again. I'm a pathetic pathetic cat lady.

And there are a million more "and thens" that are swirling around in my head. So if I act like a basket case for the next month or so, please forgive me. This is all a little overwhelming.

Thank you to everyone for all your support and love. Garren and I are amazed at the outpouring of offers of help that we have received since calling you all and letting you know that this whole crazy plan is a go. We truly have the best friends and family.

I'm going to go back to obsessing over my list (planner!) and trying to do work now. Although really who can focus on work....